Evaluation of limit load analysis for pressure vessels – Part I: Linear and nonlinear methods

Limit load of pressure bearing structures was reviewed in this article. By means of the finite element analysis, limit load of pressurized cylinder with nozzle was taken as an example. Stress classification method and Elastic-plastic finite element analysis combining with limit load determination methods were used to determine limit load of cylinder with nozzle. Comparison of limit load determined by different methods, the results indicated that limit load determined by linearization method was the smallest. Limit load determined by twice elastic slope criterion was the nearest than experimental results. Elastic-plastic finite element analysis had comparably computational precision, but required time consuming. And then the requirements of computer processing and storage capacity by power system became higher and higher. Most of criteria for limit load estimation included any human factors based on a certain substantive characteristics of experimental results. The reasonable criterion should be objective and operational.